Our kidneys play a crucial role in creating hormones, controlling blood pressure, and filtering waste from the blood. However, situations like chronic illnesses and poor diet can affect your kidney function. It can completely damage your kidney and overall health. Therefore, people need to take utmost care of their kidney health to maintain an active lifestyle. The good news is that people living with conditions like chronic kidney disease can now recover their health. They can do it with the help of the most effective kidney treatment in India.
There are many effective ways to promote long-term kidney health and naturally improve your kidney function. This informative blog will discuss 13 proven ways for improving kidney function. So, continue reading this guide to learn how to improve kidney function naturally through diet, and lifestyle changes.
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Importance Of Protecting Kidney Health
Do you know that around 10% of the Indian population is affected by chronic kidney disease? More than 1 lakh people die of chronic kidney failure. With such a rise in the cases of kidney disease, it has become very crucial for people to get proper treatment for chronic kidney disease. Our kidneys are bean-shaped organs that are responsible for removing toxins, and waste from the bloodstream. They also control electrolyte levels, produce red blood cells, and regulate blood pressure. Neglecting kidney health can lead to various complications. These complications might include decreased kidney function and even kidney failure.
Sadly, the progression of kidney disease goes unnoticed until it is too late. It only gets attention when someone might require kidney transplantation or dialysis. Thus, it’s very important to identify the problem before it starts damaging your kidneys. You should take proactive steps toward chronic kidney disease management to protect your kidneys.
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Various Stages Of Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease progresses through different stages. All the stages of chronic kidney disease indicate the level of kidney damage and the severity of the condition.
Stage 1: The kidneys are in pretty good shape at this point and have suffered just minor damage. Even when the overall kidney function is regarded as normal, there may be mild symptoms of kidney disease.
Stage 2: Kidney damage gradually worsens at this stage, and kidney function may slightly decline. However, the kidneys are still capable of carrying out their essential duties effectively.
Stage 3: Stage 3 is further broken down into Stages 3A and 3B. In these stages, the kidney rapidly reduces when kidney disease becomes more obvious. Symptoms like fatigue, fluid retention, and changes in urine patterns will start to appear.
Stage 4: At this point, kidney damage and decline in renal function are more severe. The signs worsen, and complications including anemia and bone disorders may start to appear.
Stage 5: This is the most advanced stage of CKD, also referred to as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The kidneys can no longer efficiently carry out their function. To maintain life, dialysis or kidney transplantation is often required.
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Chronic Kidney Disease Causes 8 Health Problems
- Heart complications
- High blood pressure
- Decline in kidney function
- Nerve damage
- Anemia
- Bone disorders
- Weakened immune system
- Fluid retention
Some Common Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Changes in urination
- Swelling in hands, legs, and ankles
- Difficulty breathing
- High blood pressure
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Dry Skin
- Mental confusion
What Are The Causes Of Kidney Damage?
- Heart attack
- Scarring of liver
- Allergic reactions
- Dehydration
- Severe infection
- Diabetes
- Blockage in the urinary tract
- Autoimmune disease
Is It Possible To Heal Kidney With Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment?
Generally, our kidneys can repair themselves. When the kidney function is severely impaired or there is a high level of protein in the urine, it may require a kidney transplant.
However, some steps can be taken for people with less severe kidney disease to improve kidney function and stop further damage. Working together with a healthcare team is crucial for chronic kidney disease prevention. They can provide advice on lifestyle changes and treat any health concerns that could affect your kidney function. If you have concerns about your kidney health, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional. They will perform blood tests, and perform urinalysis to assess your kidney function. With the right kidney disease diet and care you can prevent the progression of disease.
How To Improve The Kidney Function Naturally?
Follow A Plant-Based Diet
To improve kidney function naturally, you should start consuming a plant-based diet. You must consume fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Make sure to avoid consuming animal products. A plant-based diet is low in cholesterol and saturated fats. It reduces the chances of developing kidney disease symptoms. Furthermore, plant-based diets are frequently high in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. A plant-based diet may also help with managing diabetes, controlling blood pressure, and reducing the risk of obesity.
Manage Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the common causes of kidney problems. It can directly lead to kidney damage. Its effects on your body can be much more serious when combined with other medical disorders. These conditions include diabetes, heart disease, or high cholesterol. Usually, a value of 120/80 is regarded as healthy blood pressure. On the other hand, Prehypertension is characterized as blood pressure that is range between 139/89. Making dietary and lifestyle changes now may help decrease blood pressure. But if your blood pressure is higher than 140/90, it is regarded as high blood pressure. You must regularly monitor your blood pressure and adopt a healthy lifestyle to improve your overall health.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
Obese or overweight people are more likely to have many illnesses that could potentially damage their kidneys.
Diabetes, heart disease, and renal disease itself are included in these conditions. Hence, you should adopt a good diet for kidney disease that is low in processed meats, sodium, and other items that may be harmful to kidney health. You may promote kidney health and reduce the risk of kidney disease by adding foods like cauliflower, and radish to your diet.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Limiting alcohol consumption is crucial for the prevention of kidney disease. Drinking too much alcohol can harm the kidneys and cause a variety of kidney disorders. Alcohol dehydrates the body. It strains the kidneys by increasing urine production and dehydration. Heavy drinking can cause illnesses like alcoholic nephropathy. Under this condition, the kidneys are harmed and lose their capacity to function normally. Excessive alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of liver disease and high blood pressure, both of which can harm the kidneys. Therefore, consuming alcohol in moderation or not at all can greatly improve your kidney health.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can harm blood arteries, which reduces blood flow to the kidneys. Insufficient blood flow hampers the kidneys' ability to function properly. It makes an impact on the filtration and waste removal processes. Smoking increases the risk of high blood pressure which is a major contributor to kidney disease. Cigarette smoke contains toxic chemicals that can directly harm the kidneys' fragile tissues. It makes them more susceptible to kidney cancer. So, it’s best to avoid smoking and start consuming kidney healthy foods for better health.
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical exercise improves cardiovascular health and blood circulation. It indirectly benefits the kidneys.
Exercise reduces the risk of hypertension, which is one of the main causes of kidney damage, and helps to control blood pressure. Moreover, exercise helps people with diabetes maintain their weight and blood sugar levels. It can also strengthen the immune system and lower inflammation. Both of which are essential for maintaining optimum kidney function.
Manage Blood Sugar Levels
When glucose in the blood cannot be effectively used by the body's cells, the kidneys bear the burden of filtering the blood. This prolonged strain can eventually lead to life-threatening kidney damage. However, you can reduce the risk of kidney damage by controlling your blood sugar levels.
Control Cholesterol Levels
High cholesterol levels form fatty deposits in your blood vessels. This blood vessel may also include those that carry blood to the kidneys. Fat accumulation might limit blood flow and damage kidney function. Food for chronic kidney disease low in cholesterol and saturated fats can improve kidney health. Fruits and vegetables can help you maintain ideal cholesterol levels.
Manage Stress Levels
Ongoing stress can harm your body as well as your kidneys. When the body is under stress, stress hormones are released, which can narrow blood vessels and raise your blood pressure. High blood pressure may put stress on the kidneys which may result in kidney disease. You must practice stress management techniques like meditation, and deep breathing exercises. It can help you to improve your kidney function naturally.
Control Protein Intake
Although protein is a necessary vitamin, consuming too much of it can strain the kidneys. Protein breakdown results in waste products that the kidneys must filter and eliminate. High protein intake can put more strain on the kidneys over time, possibly resulting in stress and injury. Thus, you must avoid consuming sources of protein and opt for healthy food for your kidneys.
Practice Mindful Eating
One effective strategy to prevent kidney disease from getting worse is to practice mindful eating. People can improve their kidney health by being completely present and focused while consuming food.
Paying attention to hunger and fullness are all part of mindful eating. It promotes chronic kidney disease diet that is low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium. All these nutrients are restricted in kidney disease.
Get Sufficient Sleep
Sleeping enough is essential for improving your kidney health. Your body goes through important restorative processes when you sleep. This includes repair and rejuvenation of tissues, including the kidneys. Getting enough sleep each night can promote a healthy immune system that helps regulate various hormones. While lack of sleep can cause high blood pressure, inflammation, and impaired glucose metabolism. All these conditions are harmful to your kidney health. So, you should aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night to stay healthy and active.
Final Thoughts –
The kidneys are essential for filtering waste materials and extra fluid from the body. It also manages blood pressure and maintains electrolyte balance. Hence, taking care of your kidney health is very important for living a healthy and fulfilling life. You can improve your kidney function by changing your eating habits and living a healthy lifestyle. The 13 effective ways covered in this article offer a comprehensive approach to improving kidney health. Prioritizing your kidney health supports a healthy urinary system. Staying hydrated, and consuming healthy food for your kidneys are some best ways to improve kidney function naturally. Keep in mind that small changes can have a major impact on your kidney health and life.
Frequently Asked Questions-
How To Improve The Function Of The Kidney?
Consume a low-sodium diet, control blood pressure, and avoid smoking and alcohol drinking.
How Can I Naturally Repair My Kidneys?
You can naturally repair your kidney through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management.
What Food You Can Eat With Kidney Disease?
Foods that are low in potassium, phosphorus, and protein are good for kidney health.
Can Kidney Function Ever Improve?
With proper lifestyle changes and a healthy diet, it is possible to improve kidney function in its early stages.
What Is The Best Thing To Drink For Your Kidneys?
Water is the healthiest drink to consume for your kidneys because it helps in removing toxins from your body and maintains hydration.
What Is Harmful To Kidneys?
Drinking excessive alcohol, smoking and high sodium intake can harm your kidney health.
What Foods Improve Kidneys?
Low-potassium fruits and vegetables like cabbage and green beans are good food for chronic kidney disease.
Can Exercise Help Improve Kidney Function?
Yes, your kidney functions can benefit greatly from regular exercise. It helps in controlling blood pressure, maintaining a healthy body weight, and improving heart health. It also reduces the risk of long-term illnesses that could harm the kidneys.
Can Stress Affect Kidney Function?
Stress that lasts for a long time might indirectly harm the kidneys by causing high blood pressure and other health issues. Exercise, meditation, and relaxation exercises are all effective ways to reduce stress.
How Long Does It Take To See Improvements In Kidney Function With Natural Methods?
The length of time it takes to notice improvements in kidney function through natural ways varies. It is based on the underlying reason, the severity of kidney disease, and the individual response to lifestyle changes. Patience and consistency are two essential things in adopting healthy habits for kidney health.
Which Indian Vegetables Are Beneficial For Kidney Health?
Radish and bottled gourd are considered beneficial for kidney health. Their high water content, helps in hydration and flushing out toxins from the body. Fenugreek leaves, also known as methi are also effective food to make kidney healthy. It contains diuretic qualities that can help maintain kidney function.
